Michigan utilities team up to offer energy saving incentives

30 November 2009

Eleven Michigan utilities have joined together to offer energy-saving initiatives to customers in the state. Working under the Michigan Public Service Commission, the consortium has formed Energy United, which has been set up to offer energy optimisation programmes and incentives to their subscribers.

The companies that have signed up so far include Alpena Power, Bayfield Electric Cooperative, Daggett Electric Department, Edison Sault Electric Company, Indiana Michigan Power, Xcel Energy, Upper Peninsula Power Company, WE Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, Michigan Gas Utilities and SEMCO Energy Gas Company.

The group is rolling out programmes now and into next year, including an energy efficiency assistance programme which includes installation of energy-efficient measures subscribers who meet certain income qualifications, an online home energy audit, a residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) rebate programme, and a programme to assist commercial and industrial customers to install energy-efficient equipment. Rebates will also be available for certain customers on surge protection ‘smart strips’, compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs, washers and water heaters. The programmes are in addition to the federal tax incentive programmes currently running.

Michigan has been deploying a series of incentives to develop energy efficiency in consumers and businesses in recent months. In September, state governor Jennifer M Granholm announced 11 awards to recognise industry leaders for their energy saving accomplishments. The programme, run in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE), also works with private companies to improve energy efficiency and demonstrate business models that allow expansion for new energy technologies.

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: energy efficiency

This story was published on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:12 pm and is filed under North America, companies, energy efficiency. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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